Medstone’s Gallstone Therapy Earns OK

Medstone International Inc.’s therapy for incision-free removal of removal of gallstones has received Food and Drug Administration approval, the Aliso Viejo company said Tuesday.

Medstone said the treatment uses shock-wave lithotripsy and Novartis AG’s Actigall drug to break down the gallstones so they can pass from the body.

Medstone said the procedure will be available soon at medical centers that use the company’s lithotripters to treat kidney stones.

The company’s stock closed at $6.75, off 19 cents a share, in Nasdaq trading.